Ok, The Stuff from Steve is outstanding, but I'd expect no less. I'd suggest the second one is to be mastered then used when a person blocks your osoto gari attempt with stiff arms.

The problem now, with both Judo and Sambo, is how we classify stuff. I find the classic way, frankly confusing and almost useless.

I think it is more correct to say we have lifters, rollers, blockers, and sweepers. The science guy in me wants to get all physics on you; but to keep it simple its about the mass. We can pick the mass up; we can roll the mass over something. We can block the base and pull or push the mass over the base, or we can sweep the base out from under the mass.

Using that system, Steve showed you a classic blocker.

O soto gari is a classic sweeper. So are foot sweeps. The problem is we really do not understand how to effectively attack that foot.

The sweep against the knife in Black Belt is a great concept. The Japanese Subway police are huge on that. However, and I respect the author greatly, he is not in the right position. Notice he is sweeping the foot forward, into the toes. Sorry mate, but that just won't work. You stay upright by pushing with your toes. That drives them into their base and they won't move.

However, if he turned a bit more, got a bit more to the sabaki spot, you are in position to hit the best way, to wit, "make them do the splits." I promise you, try it that way and you are in for a fun night, your partners not so much.

Ok, The Stuff from Steve is outstanding, but I'd expect no less. I'd suggest the second one is to be mastered then used when a person blocks your osoto gari attempt with stiff arms.

The problem now, with both Judo and Sambo, is how we classify stuff. I find the classic way, frankly confusing and almost useless.

I think it is more correct to say we have lifters, rollers, blockers, and sweepers. The science guy in me wants to get all physics on you; but to keep it simple its about the mass. We can pick the mass up; we can roll the mass over something. We can block the base and pull or push the mass over the base, or we can sweep the base out from under the mass.

Using that system, Steve showed you a classic blocker.

O soto gari is a classic sweeper. So are foot sweeps. The problem is we really do not understand how to effectively attack that foot.

The sweep against the knife in Black Belt is a great concept. The Japanese Subway police are huge on that. However, and I respect the author greatly, he is not in the right position. Notice he is sweeping the foot forward, into the toes. Sorry mate, but that just won't work. You stay upright by pushing with your toes. That drives them into their base and they won't move.

However, if he turned a bit more, got a bit more to the sabaki spot, you are in position to hit the best way, to wit, "make them do the splits." I promise you, try it that way and you are in for a fun night, your partners not so much.

Have fun.

Thanks Mark.

I love over the back grip against stiff armers. Shoot that arm up and over and whamo! In a more practical usage, you can sneak a nice uppercut in there along the way ;)

Regarding attacking the foot, I would agree. I see so many people that look like they are kicking a tree stump...LOL. Also, many folks who don't use the sole of their foot for the sweep and end up smashing their ankle (hurts like a bitch).

I am going to pick up the black belt article today so I can check it out.

I always thought the principle of reaping (kari/gari) and sweeping (harai/barai) were separate items. To classify both as "sweepers" (harai/barai) is a bit odd. In Judo, at least, the difference (in principle) is critical.

I agree that what Steve is doing is not a sweep (as defined in Judo). The first one is an example of Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi (in Judo), a "blocker". The second one is a form of the same throw.

I always thought the principle of reaping (kari/gari) and sweeping (harai/barai) were separate items. To classify both as "sweepers" (harai/barai) is a bit odd. In Judo, at least, the difference (in principle) is critical.

You're 100% correct.
Gari/ kari refers to an attack when the weight is already placed on the foot that you intend to reap. I.e O uchi gari every one should know that to correctly perform O uchi gari you must place uke's weight on the rear right of their heel, if performing a right handed O uchi gari.
Harai/ barai is used to refer to sweeps where the weight is being transfered either the weight is about to be transfered onto the foot or has just been transfered from it. I.e de ashi barai as uke steps forward he intends to place his weight upon his advancing foot, however, before he places his weight on that foot you sweep it out from underneath him. Everyone who's tried de ashi barai will know it is almost impossible to perform once uke's weight is fully transfered onto the advancing foot.